Bruce keeps faith with misfiring Almiron
It was the perfect moment for Miguel Almiron to score his first goal for Newcastle United, shortly after the team had fallen behind, at home, in front of an expectant and edgy crowd.
Christian Atsu had run clear down the left, his cross was a dangerous one, the ball bounced through to Almiron, unmarked at the far post. The crowd gave out one of those collective gasps of excitement, the audible anticipation of a goal about to be scored, but Almiron could not live up to their expectations. The ball kicked up off the grass, his body was stiff, his touch heavy and, rather than take control of the situation, he lost it.
The ball bounced off him and goalkeeper Ben Foster cleared, wiping out the Paraguayan in the process. St James’ Park groaned and Almiron disappeared, unable or unwilling to get on the ball.
Another mistake came, his decision-making fried by the earlier miss. Newcastle had Watford where they wanted them, a high defensive line and Almiron – the fastest player on the pitch – had open space to run into. But he went too quickly and, overexcited, he was flagged offside long before he rounded Foster and put the ball into the net.
Almiron did not hide after halftime, but he missed another chance when he scuffed a shot. Groans again. Fortunately Fabian Schar had been on target just before the interval to cancel out Will Hughes’s early goal in a 1-1 draw.
Almiron is the final piece in the team who stormed clear of relegation last season under Rafael Benitez, but he keeps falling apart in the box.
This was his 14th appearance for Newcastle without a goal and it is starting to affect him. He scored 21 goals over two seasons with Atlanta United in Major League Soccer, but has not scored in 20 appearances for his country.
Not good enough? Having sold Ayoze Perez to Leicester City in the summer, Newcastle need Almiron to replace his goals – 13 in all competitions last term – but there is little sign of that happening.
His new manager loves him, but that does not mean he is not testing Steve Bruce’s patience. The problem is, there is nobody who can replace him in the squad. Almiron’s pace is a potent weapon. He needs to be managed carefully.
“He’s a great lad, probably the most popular player here,” Bruce said. “He’s bright and effervescent, he’s a great pro. He just needs to get one of those opportunities to fall for him. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at what a good player he is.
“He scores goals in training, but it’s a bit different doing it in front of 50,000 people and he probably just snatches at it a little bit.
“When he gets up and running, he might learn to go at things a little bit calmer. The great goalscorers go calm in front of goal. We need to be patient with him and I will be.”
If Newcastle are to pull clear of relegation danger again, they need more from Almiron than his speed. They need goals, because he cost them two points against Watford.